SARATOGA NOTEBOOK
AUGUST 2, 2012
by John Mucciolo
A quartet of graded races headlined the second week of racing at Saratoga.
Diana S. (G1): Phillips Racing’s homebred WINTER MEMORIES (El Prado) was at her best in
this one, sweeping to the lead in early stretch and powering home a 1 1/2-length
winner under Javier Castellano. The Jimmy Toner pupil went nine panels on the
good turf in 1:48 2/5 in this impressive showing.
Jim Dandy S. (G2): Godolphin’s homebred ALPHA (Bernardini) zipped to the lead from his inner post
and never relinquished it, posting a two-length tally beneath Ramon Dominguez.
The accomplished sophomore traveled 1 1/8 miles on the sloppy, sealed oval in
1:50 2/5 for conditioner Kiaran McLaughlin.
Amsterdam S. (G2):
Klaravich Stables’ CURRENCY SWAP (High Cotton) tracked in second for much of
this one before exuding his class late to earn a 1 3/4-length score for trainer
Terri Pompay. The Grade 1 winner sped 6 1/2 furlongs in a fine 1:15 1/5 under Rajiv Maragh.
Lake George S. (G2):
G Watts Humphrey’s homebred CENTRE COURT (Smart Strike) made a big move from
well back early and was a game winner in this one for trainer Rusty Arnold. The
sophomore filly endured 1 1/16 miles on the firm lawn in 1:41 3/5 beneath Julien Leparoux.
Track Stats
A total of 61 races were held over Saratoga Springs, New York, venue, with
favorites winning at a 38 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining
for 52 percent of the wins during the week. From 36 races on the main oval,
seven animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (19 percent), while four of the 25
races on the lawn were taken all the way on the front (16 percent).
We thought, for the majority of the week, the main oval favored horses in the
first or maybe second flight turning for home, similar to the previous week.
But on Monday, horses on the rail up front were stopping badly, sending us the
signal that the oval favored closers and outside runners in a big way. We’ll
keep a few of those early leaders in our watch when they come back on fair or
speed-favoring ovals, and possibly downgrade some of the winners that rallied
from far back while wide.
So much for trainers Todd Pletcher and Chad Brown being ice cold with their
runners at this venue. The duo struggled during the opening week, but both
really turned it on during the second week and now occupy the top two spots in
the trainers race. We’re surprised at how many winners from the Pletcher barn
have paid so well lately.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 102 | |
| DIRT: | 55 | |
| TURF: | 47 | |
| FAVORITES: | 34 (33 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 17 (17 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 8 (17 percent) | |
| DIRT WIRE: | 12 (22 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (7/25)
5TH — TEEN PAULINE (Tapit) ran a hole in the wind here in a most facile maiden
win at first asking under Julien Leparoux. The Steve Asmussen trainee set a new
track mark for five furlongs in the process, speeding home in a sizzling :56
2/5. She’s obviously a good one.
MY HAPPY FACE (Tiz Wonderful) was a distant second but more than 10 lengths
clear of third, in a fine debut for conditioner Rudy Rodriguez. She will be live
next out.
8TH — CEASE (War Chant) ran a big race against what we thought was a speed
biased oval in here, pulling away late from off the pace. The Al Stall Jr.
trainee really likes it up here and will be stakes bound for sure next out.
Friday (7/27)
4TH — PARK CITY (Harlan’s Holiday) had a most eventful trip at first asking in
here, and proved lots the best with a come from behind win with a lot of
trouble. The Todd Pletcher trainee got a lot of experience out of this we would
think, and could be any kind if he keeps a straight path and out of trouble.
8TH — EVER SO LUCKY (Indian Charlie) was a solid third in here while more than
nine lengths clear of his nearest foe, but we simply think this Sheppard trainee
is more adept at one-turn races and will await his return to sprinting. We don’t
doubt his talent level.
Saturday (7/28)
3RD — LAWN MAN (Flatter) made a superb first showing for Pletcher in this spot,
taking the lead soon after the start and pouring it on late in a facile, 4
1/2-length tally under Javier Castellano. We’re not sure if the colt beat much and
if he caught a speedy rail, but he looked the part, nonetheless, and could
evolve into a very nice one.
10TH — NECK ‘N NECK (Flower Alley) continues to impress us for conditioner Ian
Wilkes, and we think this race sets him up perfectly for the Grade 1 Travers in
a few weeks. The rising colt has tactical speed and is stubborn in the lane, a
fine combination to possess.
Sunday (7/29)
3RD — PRIMAL BABY (Macho Uno) had the misfortune of trying to run down a clear
leader who caught a good rail, but the five-year-old mare fought valiantly to
the wire in a courageous effort. We’ll back her for a return win here on a more
fair oval.
4TH — RIOLAMA (Unbridled’s Song) tracked contently until asked by Ramon
Dominguez, and the second time exploded late to pull away to humble this field.
The three-year-old filly is a stakes quality runner in our minds, and will be
very tough if entered back with allowance foes next time.
10TH — DOCTOR CHIT (War Front) had a three-race win streak snapped in here, but
the fleet sophomore broke like a shot and stayed on well to the wire. He has a
nice future ahead of him for Pletcher.
Monday (7/30)
5TH — TOP TIER LASS (Street Boss) gave Pletcher another very impressive winner
this week, spurting clear of this field to win by seven widening lengths at
first asking. The juvenile filly came home fast and could be any kind going
forward.
7TH — FEDERATION (Motivator) was never allowed to run in this race and
still finished just two necks and a nose shy of the win for trainer Christophe
Clement. We think she would have blown past this field with clear sailing.
9TH — As poor as we thought the ride was by Leparoux in the seventh race, he
came back with a stellar voyage in here atop impressive winner NOTMYFIRSTTIME
(Scat Daddy). The colt led early, dropped back approaching the half-mile mark,
and then came again outside to win going away. This was a fine showing by both
this professional horse and his crafty rider.
A Look Ahead
Friday will play host to the Grade 2, $200,000 Honorable Miss Handicap, the
Saturday action will be led by the Grade 1, $750,000 Whitney Handicap and the
Grade 1, $300,000 Prioress Stakes, while the headliner on Sunday is the Grade 1,
$400,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap.